Days of rage and nights of fun with Teenanger

Canadian punk band plays Nobby's on Oct. 7

Much like all the best punk bands before them, Teenanger definitely brings the noise, filling their latest album, Frights, with concise two-minute jams that channel the ups and down of life for today’s disaffected youth. Yet there’s much more at work here than just, well, teen anger. Heavy metal, garage rock, even experimental noise make auditory appearances on songs like “Tired of You,” “Bank Account” and “Lawyer Up,” while song lyrics run the gamut from romantic to political to downright [filtered word] off.

Much of that indefinable vigor comes from the band’s affiliation with other wide-ranging acts like METZ, Young Mother and Kontravoid. And much of it comes from Jon Schouten, Melissa Ball, Chris Swimmings and Steve Sidoli’s snotty, tight-knit energy. But much of it also comes from Teenanger’s unabashed desire to plow its own musical road.

Take, for instance, the band’s decision to hire producer Howie Beck to produce Frights. Beck has worked with fellow Canadians Feist, Jason Collett and Hayden in the past, but those musicians all skew much more folkie and tender than Teenanger. The contrast works well, though, lending Frights an added depth that’s atypical for most quick-hit punk albums. But on stage, these four Canucks go straight for the jugular in a manner that hearkens back to the music’s dangerous, street-level roots. Would true fans have it any other way?

Drift: How long have you guys been together as Teenager, and were you all in prior bands before this one?

JS: We've been together for like five years at this point. Originally, we started with the intention of being a Yes cover band but quickly realized that we’re not that into musical [filtered word].

Drift: What kinds of musical inspirations go into Teenanger's sound? Are you guys trying to channel a particular sound or style? Or aiming to create something entirely unique?

JS: I think it's a melting pot of ideas. Toronto is known for being multicultural, so we try to take that approach.

Drift: Do you guys feel particularly akin to other Toronto punk bands? Is there a particular scene that you think Teenager belongs to?

JS: METZ are awesome, as are The Soupcans, who we’re touring with right now; Young Mother; Kremlin; [filtered word].; Kontravoid; Ell V Gore; and others. But we don't really feel connected to any particular genre.

Drift: Does the band take a political or socioeconomic stand that matches up with its name, Teenanger? Are you guys as angry as that indicates? Or are you more focused on just having fun and playing good music?

JS: Oh man, I’m just gonna say having fun as its way easier.

Drift: Howie Beck produced Teenanger’s newest album, Frights. How do you think it stacks up to the band’s previous releases, Teenanger EP and Give Me Pink LP?

JS: Most of the early records were recorded using studios and self-producing. And I think having Howie do Frights added a new member in a sense. We cut an afternoon of tracks and little bits of additional stuff and literally just walked away. In the end, Howie handed us Frights and we were like, “Cool.” We’d like to take that idea and even expand on it for the next LP.

Drift: All of the albums have been released on Telephone Explosion Records. What is the relationship like with that label?

JS: The relationship is perfect because Steve and I own it! Keep it DIY.

Drift: Has that DIY spirit always been paramount for Teenanger? Or does it come just out of necessity?

JS: Both. In the beginning, we did everything ourselves out of necessity. But now it's become a part of what we do. I mean, help is always nice — but there’s a great feeling you get when you do something yourself and it works out. Also, DIY is all about having talented friends helping you.

Drift: Do you have any friends like that down here in Florida? Any past experiences coming through the state or funny stories you can relate?

JS: We played Florida a few years ago, and we broke down in Yeehaw Junction and got towed to Orlando, where we met the best group of people. And we’re stoked to see them again.

Drift: Do you feel like Teenanger has started to build a good fan base here in the United States? Any particular areas that are better than others?

JS: I think Detroit has become almost like a second home for us. And all the other cities are just starting to get on board.

Drift: How about day jobs? Do all four of you do other things besides music to pay the bills?

JS: Yes, we all have jobs. Serving at a restaurant, owning a store, working in media, and doing technical support all give us money. But who knows what will happen? Not working and playing full time would be ideal.

Drift: So that’s the goal for Teenanger? Getting big enough to rely on the band solely for income — or even hoping to find success that’s bigger and better than just on the punk circuit?

JS: With what we do, I think there's definitely a cap on how far we can go. So no, we don’t have any crazy goals about getting rich or anything like that. But again, if we could get away with just doing music, I'd be stoked.

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Teenanger performs at 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 at Nobby’s Tavern, 10 Anastasia Blvd. Openers include The Soupcans, Hungry Gayze and The Treats, and tickets are $5. For more information, call 825-4959.